How to Choose a Pittsburgh Wedding Venue

Location, Location, Location

Pittsburgh offers so many beautiful wedding venue options. How do we decide which one is best for us?

This decision should be a very thoughtful one based on more than aesthetics alone, made only after doing some self-reflection and research. First, determine your wedding style. Do you envision a glamorous fete downtown or a whimsical garden celebration somewhere more secluded? Your desired vibe will narrow the field of possibilities. Eliminating venues that do not fit into your budget, cannot accommodate your guest list size or don’t have availability on your preferred date easily narrows down the list of viable options even further. Next, select no more than five venues to tour in person. This allows you to see a variety of spaces without completely overwhelming yourself. Compare the cost, capacity, logistical capabilities and pros and cons of your top three choices. If you’re still having trouble deciding, go with your gut; in general, feeling excited while walking through a venue usually is a good sign.

Package Deals

What is one mistake couples often make when booking a wedding venue?

Before signing a contract, it is extremely important that you understand what is — and what is not — included in the rental package. A space may seem affordable at first, but if it doesn’t include practical items, such as tables, chairs, dishware, flatware, linens or sound equipment, the cost of having to rent these items can drive up the price tag very quickly. Lack of ample parking at a venue may mean you will need to hire a valet service, which increases the overall cost and is one more vendor to manage. When touring venues, do not focus solely on how the space looks. Ask detailed questions about package inclusions, hidden fees or additional costs, such as service charges, tax, gratuity as well as other logistics that may impact guests’ experience and your wallet. This will enable you to calculate a more comprehensive rental cost and determine if that venue truly fits into your overall wedding budget.

Victoria Deardorff is the creator and CEO of Pittsburgh’s wedding resource, Burgh Brides (burghbrides.com). Look for her “Ask the Expert” column in Pittsburgh Magazine.